NAVIGATING THE PRESSURE

This engaging series explores the roots of stress and anxiety in today’s youth — offering insight, inspiration, and real-world tools for families. We will explore everything from performance-based pressure to digital overload, focusing on sports, school, screens, and social media. With expert voice and eye-opening discussions for adults and nature-based experiences designed to help children and teenagers reconnect and reset, these events offer hope and healing for all ages. Join us as we learn to breathe easier and live better — together.

What Every Parent Needs to Know

Sunday, November 9, 4 p.m.

Keynote presentation by Dr. Devorah Heitner 

She is the author of the nationally acclaimed books, Screenwise and Growing Up in Public.

She has her doctorate in Media, Technology, and Society. Devorah is a sought after consultant with schools globally, and we are very excited to have her with us at Pilgrim. Growing Up in Public makes the case that parents should shift their focus from consequences to building character, helping their kids figure out who they really are and teaching them to respect their own privacy and reputation by modeling that respect for them.

Presentation and Discussion of the book, “The Anxious Generation,” by Jonathan Haidt

Sunday, January 25, 2026, 4 p.m.

Our book group presenter will be Dr. Ari Frede, who currently works in the Chicago Public School District, the fourth largest district in the U.S. 

Ari works to help communities and schools navigate their way to their long-term goals. He will share a balanced critique of this book that many parents are reading for guidance in raising children in a digital age. Then, he’ll be joined by a panel from various disciplines who will share their experiences. Those in attendance will also be able to weigh in with questions and comments.